Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, Ms. Renata Dessallien, 18 February 2015

(Yangon, 18 February 2015): “I am saddened to hear of the attack on a Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) convoy en route between Laukkai and Chin Schwe Haw in northern Shan State on 17 February. Two MRCS volunteers were wounded in the attack. The convoy was carrying civilians from the conflict area in the Kokang self-administered zone to safe areas.

An attack on humanitarian aid workers and on civilians is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. I call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and remind them of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and to allow humanitarian convoys safe passage out of the conflict area.

I am also concerned by reports of thousands of people displaced by fighting between the Government of Myanmar Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and other armed groups in the Kokang self-administered zone, north-eastern Shan State.

I appeal to all parties to the conflict to ensure that civilians are protected, and to allow civilians who remain in the conflict zone safe passage out of the Kokang area.”

For further information, please contact:

Chris Hyslop, Deputy Head of Office, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Myanmar (hyslopc@un.org / +95 (0) 94 253 14850 )

Eva Modvig, Reports and Communications Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Myanmar ( modvig@un.org )

OCHA press releases are available at www.reliefweb.int and www.themimu.info